Wassail, a cider made of juices and spices, has been served for centuries.
Robin Hood, it is said, enjoyed the occasional swallow.
Friday, downtown Columbus merchants will try their hands at preparing their version of the ancient beverage during the 10th annual Wassail Fest. The approximately 20 businesses planning on taking part in the festival will be battling for the coveted People’s Choice award, which is voted on by shoppers and based on who they feel offers the best wassail.
“It is a great time to come downtown, do some Christmas shopping, sample some delicious wassail, dine in one of our great downtown restaurants and just enjoy the season,” Barbara Bigelow, the executive director of Main Street Columbus, said in a media release.
The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m.
Also on Friday evening, the lighting of the community Christmas Tree will take place at the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center on Main Street. The festivities will begin at 5:15 p.m. with caroling by the Columbus Chorale Society and a performance by dancers from the WHEREhouse Dance Company.
The tree’s lights will be turned on at 6 p.m., according to Bigelow.
Mississippi University for Women is partnering with Main Street Columbus during the Wassail Fest.
After the festival winds down at 8 p.m., attendees are invited to go to the The W’, where music students will sing carols throughout the campus. There will also be horse and carriage rides touring the campus and hot chocolate and coffee will be available.
Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance, giving candy to participants, and the Culinary Arts Institutes’ advanced baking class will display a gingerbread replica of the campus.
The W’s events will run until 10 p.m. The university’s Christmas tree will also be lit.
“The W and downtown used to do so many things in partnership. We thought it would be great to make this an even bigger event by extending it to the The W campus,” said Angela Ferraez, director of major gifts and special events at the university.
All events are free and open to the public.
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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